Cookies

Websites use cookies in order to improve user experience by enabling the website to ‘remember’ the user, either for the duration of their visit (using a ‘session cookie’) or for repeat visits (using a ‘persistent cookie’).

Cookies are used by the University to collect information for the purposes of managing and improving the services the University provides, establishing browsing actions and patterns and preparing customised pages. Staff and students at the University of Chichester should be aware that some internal systems, e.g. Moodle and ChiView require the use of cookies to function fully.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a text file that is stored on a computer or mobile device by a website’s server and only that server will be able to retrieve or read the contents of that cookie. Each cookie is unique to a web browser. It will contain some information such as a unique identifier and the site name and some digits and numbers. It allows a website to remember things like user preferences and recognise users when they return to a site.

Types of cookies used

Most cookies encountered when browsing the University of Chichester website are considered 'third party' cookies. This means the web site has used a feature supplied by an external provider, such as Facebook or Google Maps, which sets the cookie. Third party cookies are not inherently more or less risky than first party cookies. The only thing to bear in mind is that the external provider, not the University of Chichester, determines what type of information is stored and how it is used.

The most common type of cookie used on our web site is set by Google Analytics, which provides anonymous statistical data to us to show usage trends and to aid in making decisions about what types of content are most popular.

Specific information about the cookies on University of Chichester web sites are contained in our cookie register. In addition, some of our websites may carry cookies specific to that service. Information about these will be contained on the individual website.

The following types of cookies are used on this website:

Strictly necessary cookies: These cookies must be accepted in order for you to be able to use features on our website. These could be your preferences, forms you have previously filled in, automatic log in details, and tracking that does not identify you personally and is not linked to any personal information.

Performance cookies: These cookies monitors visitor behavior on our website, knows if you have visited the website before and does not identify you personally. We can use this information to improve our website services and help us with any issues on the site.

Functionality cookies: These cookies enhance how you use our website by remembering choices you make for personal features for future visits to our website i.e. the volume level on embedded YouTube videos. These cookies only collect information on our website, and does not identify any personal data.

Targeting cookies: Targeting cookies help to keep advertising relevant for you. These cookies collect information about your interests and browsing habits. They are then linked to third-party sites so that they can improve advertising and limit the amount of times you see an advert.

You can opt out of cookie-based advertisements from many advertising platforms by visiting ‘Your online choices’ and switching off behavioural advertising from the organisations of your choice.

What to do if you don’t want cookies to be set

You can avoid cookies being stored by viewing the site in incognito mode/private browsing. You can also restrict or block web browser cookies set on your device through editing your browser settings; the browser Help function gives full instructions. Alternatively, you can visit the Information Commisioner's Office website for comprehensive information on how to do this on the majority of desktop browsers.

You can also delete cookies that have already been set. Please note that disabling cookies can affect your online experience of the site.